Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper January 17, 2013 Page 22 Antenna Wars

Photos by Mount Vernon residents hold out for more expensive and less

Louise Krafft unsightly cell coverage.

By Michael Lee Pope sent having these show up in The Gazette neighborhoods and at schools.” Like many people in the Mount

/The Gazette he fight over a proposed Vernon area, Reynolds is a veteran Tcell tower at Sandburg of the antenna wars. Several years Middle School several ago, he led an effort to oppose years ago now seems like a Water- construction of a cell tower behind loo moment, the end of a campaign his house. Now he and many oth- Scuttle (Emma Ekman) and the seagulls (Ellen Roberts, Brian Selcik, Winnie Hurd, to build large and intrusive cell ers in Mount Vernon are ready to Payson White and Anna Johnson) help Ariel (Emily Flack) get used to her new legs towers at schools and in neighbor- go on the offensive by advocating and self confidence with a little dance and song, “Positoovity.” hoods. As they had over and over for a new technology that uses a again, residents in Mount Vernon series of smaller antennas that are opposed the proposal by Milestone scattered around rather than a Final Rehearsals for ‘Little Mermaid, Jr.’ Communications. Supporters like large monolithic structure that the idea that the design incorpo- towers in the air. The drawback is he Aldersgate Church Community The- 26, 27 at 2 p.m. rated an existing light pole, and the that it’s much more expensive for ater is in final rehearsal for the upcom- Call 703-660-2611 or visit acctonline.org for in- Sandburg design would have cre- the cell tower companies, and so ing performances of “Walt Disney’s formation/tickets. T ated revenue streams from three far no companies have come for- Little Mermaid, Jr.” Show dates are Aldersgate is located at 1301 Collingwood Road separate antennas — some of ward with a proposal to use Dis- Jan. 18, 19, 25, 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 20, 21, in Alexandria. which would be shared with the tributed Antenna System in the school. Opposition was so great area. that the plan was scuttled, and “Colonial Williamsburg is really now large chunks of the Mount the model of what we are trying Vernon areas remain dead zones. to do in Mount Vernon,” said “These cell tower companies al- David Dale, former co-chairman of ways want to construct these the Mount Vernon Council of Citi- monoliths,” said Riverside Estates zens Associations. “You don’t see resident Robert Reynolds. “And all cell towers hovering over historic of the neighbors have come to re- See Holding Out, Page 6 Civil Rights Struggle In Richmond Chef Louis (Claire Prince Eric (Daniel Jarzen) proposes a dance to Ariel Havranek) prepares a Northern Virginia Democrats (Emily Flack) as a means to communicate since Ariel fish dinner for Ariel and finally get traction on voting cannot utter a sound. Prince Eric. rights for nonviolent felons.

By Michael Lee Pope felons. And year after year, the The Gazette effort fizzles in Richmond. So when Republican Gov. Bob he plight of the nonviolent McDonnell announced his support Tfelon has been a losing for automatic restoration of civil cause in Northern Virginia rights for nonviolent felons, many for decades. Year after year, Demo- believed this might finally be the crats introduce a bill that would year supporters could see some

restore voting rights for nonviolent See Getting, Page 6

1/18/13

Requested in home in Requested

material. Time-sensitive

Ursula’s henchmen, Flotsam (Lucy Postmaster:

Roberts) and Jetsam (Brendan DeBie) Attention

Permit #482 Permit

persuade Ariel (Emily Flack) to visit Ursula (McKenzie Sterner) proposes a VA Alexandria,

PAID

Ursula. deal to Ariel (Emily Flack). Postage U.S. PRSRT STD PRSRT www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 ❖ 1 2 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Hollin Meadows Hosts Ice Cream Making and Gardening

Photos by

Renée Ruggles

Jen Finnegan is the outdoor education coordinator at Hollin Meadows Elementary School. She led some families through the school’s monthly

/The Gazette Second Sunday activities on Jan. 13. The families picked herbs from the school’s garden to enhance the homemade ice cream they were about to make.

Volunteer Maddie Johnson helps children with their ice cream making project. The youngsters placed the ingredients in a plastic bag and then inside a bag filled with ice and rock salt. They shook the bags to make ice cream.

Charlotte enjoys the efforts of her labors. The children made ice cream sundaes in the bags after Anuj took his task, shaking his bag the ice cream was frozen. of ingredients, very seriously. Jaden and her mother do some gardening before making ice cream.

Sammy enjoys the first Aslan and Sammy enjoy some ice cream and conversa- bites of the ice cream that Shachi and Charlotte are hard at work making ice cream tion after all their hard work. he made. in their bags. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 ❖ 3 JACKI SORENSEN'S FITNESS CLASSESJACKI SORENSEN'S FITNESS CLASSES News Jacki Sorensen's Aerobic Dancing starts January 23 at Charles Houston Recreation Center Trainer Inducted Into Hall of Fame Monday/Wednesday - 10:15 am reating sprained VATA is an organization dedi- & Wednesday - 5:30 pm T ankles, separated cated to the health and well- Register on line at shoulders and being of Virginians who are aching backs are everyday physically active and this is alexandriava.gov › Recreation occurrences for Fairfax the third year for the Hall of County Police Department’s Fame selection process. For more information, athletic trainer Nancy Burke began her career as Call: 202-657-1150 Burke. an athletic trainer in a sec- Email: [email protected] Burke serves a vital role ondary school setting after

Website: www.Jackis.com for the agency in keeping graduating from James Madi- JACKI SORENSEN'S FITNESS CLASSES JACKI CLASSES FITNESS SORENSEN'S JACKI over 1,300 Fairfax County son University in 1973. After Police officers in top form earning her Master’s Degree despite the tough physical from Eastern Kentucky Uni- toll the job can have on versity, she continued her ca- one’s body. reer in Fairfax County. Her “Obviously physical fit- expertise in sports medicine ness is critical for those in is nationally known as she public safety; whether they served as the head athletic are chasing a suspect in the trainer for World Cup Sabre dark or helping lift a per- Fencing in 1992 and 1994, a son out of a wrecked car, it site medical director for the is a very physically demand- Atlanta Olympic Games in ing job,” Burke said. She 1996, and chaired the U.S. added, “It’s extremely re- Lacrosse Association Safety warding to be able to help Nancy Burke Committee, where her contri- treat and educate officers butions helped result in the on how to get healthy, stay mandate of protective healthy and get them back to duty after they’ve had eyewear and new safety standards for goalkeepers’ an injury.” helmets. Burke’s efforts are now being widely recognized For more information about the Fairfax County as she has been tapped for the 2013 Virginia Ath- Police Department’s programs or personnel, contact letic Trainers’ Association (VATA) Hall of Fame. The the Public Information Office at 703-246-2253.

For a free digi- tal subscription to one or all of the 15 Connection Newspapers, go to www.connect ionnewspapers. com/subscribe Be the first to know – get your paper before it hits the press. Complete digital replica of the print edition, including photos and ads, deliv- ered weekly to your e-mail box. Questions? E-mail: goinggreen@ connection newspapers.com

4 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News

Laura Marshall

Photos by Photos Joe Quinn, Miles Gheesling, Alex Amico, Katelyn McConville, Eliza Lore and Hilary Canary A Thirst for Human Flesh … WPHS presents “Night of the Living Dead.”

he classic horror “Night of the Living Dead” will open at West Potomac High TSchool on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. In the play, a group of people are trapped inside a farmhouse in West Virginia as legions of the walking dead try to get inside and use them for food. Students starring in the play include Alex Amico, Joe Quinn and Alex Amico Hilary Canary, Miles Gheesling, Eliza Lore, Katelyn McConville and Joe Quinn “Night of the Living Dead” will play Jan. 24 –26: performances are at West Potomac High School in Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at 7 p.m. and the Kogelman Theatre at 6500 Quander Road. Tick- Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10. All ets are available at the door.

Alex Amico and Hilary Canary Valentina Selnick and Katelyn McConville www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 ❖ 5 News Holding Out for More Expensive, Less Unsightly Cell Coverage From Page 1 from leases to providers. Castle, offer both towers and DAS technol- the money to pay for it.” buildings in Colonial Williamsburg, and yet “They would have to show that DAS is ogy. visitors don’t have to enter a blackout.” not feasible,” said Mount Vernon Planning Once constructed, the facilities are leased IN THE LAST six years, demand for data Commissioner Earl Flanagan. “So far that to major providers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, service has increased 8,000 percent nation- DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEMS hasn’t hap- Spring and wide, according to industry statistics. are already in use in many places, includ- pened, but Cricket. As smartphones proliferate, more and ing Colonial Williamsburg as well as many technology “With the economic downturn, So far, the more customers require more and more Northern Virginia locations — Dranesville, changes all the business plan service as technology struggles to keep pace. Merrifield and Reston to name a few. time.” I wouldn’t expect DAS has not been Some in Mount Vernon are hopeful that a Last year, the Mount Vernon Council of In Northern able to support new “cube” technology invented in Reston Citizens Associations adopted a resolution Virginia, a cot- technology to be coming to a proposal in- may be an answer that will provide service strongly encouraging the use of DAS tech- tage industry of corporating the without unsightly cell towers. nology instead of the large-scale towers that companies has Mount Vernon anytime soon.” less intrusive Whatever technology comes down the loom over the horizon. emerged to — Mount Vernon Planning Commissioner Earl DAS technol- pike, neighbors here say they are ready to So far, none of the companies that spe- construct Flanagan ogy. oppose any effort to erect cell towers that cialize in constructing cell antennas have cellphone infra- “With the many consider aesthetically unpleasant been willing to put together a proposal to structure and economic monolithic structures. “People who are di- install the smaller-scale system, which lease it to providers. Some, such as Mile- downturn, I wouldn’t expect DAS technol- rectly impacted come out of the woodwork would be more expensive than construct- stone, specialize in towers. Others, such as ogy to be coming to Mount Vernon anytime to oppose them,” said Mount Vernon Dis- ing a tower and provide smaller revenues American Tower Company and Crown soon,” said Flanagan. “They just don’t have trict Supervisor Gerry Hyland. Getting Traction on Voting Rights for Nonviolent Felons From Page 1 late state Sen. Yvonne Miller (D-5), who will move on to the next meeting of the Since he became governor in 2011, action on the issue. was a longtime advocate for restoring civil Senate Committee on Privileges and Elec- McDonnell has restored rights to more than “As a nation that believes in re- rights to nonviolent felons. tions next week without a recommendation. 4,000 people — more than any other gov- demption and second chances, we Then House Republicans pulled the rug Supporters are hopeful that they can get the ernor in history. And yet even though the must provide a clear path for willing out. During a Monday meeting of the House issue out of committee and onto consider- Republican governor has signaled that the individuals to be productive members Subcommittee on Constitutional Amend- ation by the full Senate, which is evenly di- issue is important to him, many Republi- of society once they have served their ments, vided be- cans oppose the move because it would in- sentences and paid their fines and members of tween Re- crease the power of Democrats. restitution,” said McDonnell. “It is the Republi- “Automatic rights restoration publicans “If you are thinking about this in political time for Vir- can majority and Demo- terms, the majority of felons who would get ginia to join rejected a opens the door for those convicted crats. Be- their rights restored are probably more “If you’re a most of the bill intro- of non-violent felonies to become cause Re- likely to vote Democratic than Republican,” Republican, other states duced by publican said Geoff Skelley, analyst with the Univer- and make the Del.full participants in our community.” Lt. Gov. Bill sity of Virginia Center for Politics. “If you’re why would you restoration of Charniele Bolling has a Republican, why would you support it?” civil rights an Herring (D- — John Liss, executive director, already an- support it?” automatic pro- 46). House Virginia New Majority nounced FOR NOW, the effort is still alive on the cess for nonvio- Republicans his support Senate side. But even supporters acknowl- — Geoff Skelley, lent offenders.” indicated that they were willing to break for the initiative, he could end up casting a edge that it will have a very difficult time if analyst with the Within min- with the Republican governor, the Republi- tie-breaking vote in favor of automatic res- it makes it back to the House after cross- University of Virginia utes of the can lieutenant governor and the Republi- toration. over. Even if the measure is able to get out Center for Politics speech, a num- can attorney general — a demonstration of “The House of Delegates still has time to of the Senate Privileges and Elections Com- ber of civil- diversity in a party that usually speaks in reverse their course by voting for the mittee on Tuesday, it will still face a vote of rights advocacy lockstep on major issues. Senate’s version of the bill,” said John Liss, the full Senate and, ultimately, the same groups spoke out in support of the “A number of Republicans stood up on the executive director of Virginia New Major- hostile members of the House subcommit- governor’s push. The American Civil floor of the House and essentially attacked ity. “Automatic rights restoration opens the tee that already killed the effort this week. Liberties Union of Virginia praised the the governor for supporting this,” said Del. door for those convicted of non-violent felo- Then the bill must pass again next year af- effort as a way to shed “this vestige Rob Krupicka (D-45). “It’s clear they don’t nies to become full participants in our com- ter the election before ultimately being con- of the Jim Crow era.” Virginia Orga- intend to follow his wishes.” munity.” sidered by the voters. “We must not lose nizing and Virginia New Majority also Currently, more than 350,000 Virginians the chance to put this question before the issued written statements supporting THE EFFORT is still alive on the Senate have been stripped of their right to vote. voters in 2014,” said ACLU of Virginia ex- the effort, which now had bipartisan side, where state Sen. Louise Lucas (D-18) That’s more than one in five African Ameri- ecutive director Claire Gastanaga. “For too appeal. State Sen. Don McEachin (D- introduced SJ 266. On Tuesday, a Senate cans and 7 percent of the adult population. long, Virginia has been out of step with the 9) even called on the governor to subcommittee was deadlocked on the issue The way things currently stand, only the rest of the country by continuing to disen- name the legislation in honor of the and cast a 3-to-3 vote. That means the bill governor has authority to restore rights. franchise all felons for life.” Bulletin Board

Email announcements to gazette oranges, grapefruit and honeybells. Prepaid Supervisor Jeff McKay will discuss the 2013 of the American Revolution will host a formal @connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is the Thurs- orders made by Jan. 18 with a delivery date of General Assembly Session and how it will affect gala event at the Belle Haven Country Club. day at noon. Jan. 26. Contact Andrea Corsillo 703-960-4973 Fairfax County. There will be a question and They will present the SAR Gold Good or Tom Wilson 703-585-6327. answer period for each representative. Citizenship Medal to U.S. Army retired General Frederick J. Kroesen, Jr. THURSDAY/JAN. 17 SATURDAY/JAN. 19 West Potomac Science Fair. 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. THURSDAY/JAN. 24 Meeting. Mt. Vernon AAUW presents a program SATURDAY/FEB. 9 on “Senior Scams” at 7 p.m. at Mount Vernon in the cafeteria at the school. There will be 100 Meeting. Colonial Republican Women will meet Government Center, 2511 Parkers Lane. Get projects on display, showcasing what the from 6:30-9 p.m. at Virginia Hills Administration Boater Education Course. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the advice on ways to avoids scams, as well as students have learned in their honors classes. Center at Old Virginia Hills School, 6520 Diana Knights of Columbus Hall, 8592 Richmond detecting the signs of fraud and identity theft. The top 20 projects will be invited to the Lane. Refreshments will be served. E-mail Highway. This course meets all the state 703-718-9902. regional fair at Robinson High School. [email protected] or call requirements to allow people to operate boats. Joint Town Hall Meeting. 10 a.m. at Debbie at 703-768-1934. Contact Rich Miller at [email protected] or Kingstowne Thompson Center, 6090 Kingstowne 703-780-3765 to get an enrollment form. THROUGH JAN. 18 Village Parkway. Delegate Mark Sickles (D-43), SATURDAY/JAN. 26 January Fruit Sale. The Mount Vernon Lions Senator George Barker (D-39), Senator Adam club will have a January fruit sale of naval Ebbin (D-30), Senator Toddy Puller (D-36) and Gala. The George Washington Chapter of the Sons See Bulletin Board, Page 15 6 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Business SFDC Hosts Beautification Awards Ceremony

David Versel, executive director of the Southeast Fairfax Development Corpo- ration, handed out several Beautification Awards to Jennifer Tillman (left) and Nakia Wilson accepted the local businesses. They Award for Huntington Gateway. The certificates were included Taco Bell, Chili’s, handed out in honor of Mary Thonen, a long-serving Huntington Gateway, board member and prior president of the Southeast Mount Zephyr Commons Fairfax Development Corporation. and Montebello.

Photos by Renée Ruggles/The Gazette

Doug Kennet, president of the Montebello Condo- minium Owners Association’s Board of Directors, accepts the The Beautification Awards included displays targeted at The Jan. 16 reception provided an opportunity for com- special plaque on behalf of improving the image of businesses along Richmond munity members to network. the property. Highway. Economic Development Topic of Chamber Meeting he future of economic owned businesses are growing dis- Tgrowth in Fairfax proportionately faster in Northern County will be found in Virginia that in other areas of the the new field of personalized county. medicine, along with the cur- Fairfax County faces the same rent growth sectors of IT and serious economic situation it did financial services according to in 1977, Gordon said. Diversifica- Dr. Gerald Gordon, president tion of the types of businesses in and CEO of the Fairfax County Fairfax County will be essential to Economic Development Au- keep tax rates on homeowners low thority speaking to the Mount and to ensure a healthy local Vernon-Lee Chamber of Com- economy. merce. The Greater Richmond Highway Photo Contributed To withstand current eco- corridor will find economic devel- nomic pressures, small busi- opment opportunities with the nesses will need a cost and growth at Fort Belvoir, Gordon value proposition that shows said. they can do better than what At the networking breakfast, the larger businesses would do in- chamber of commerce also wel- The Chamber Board welcomes Dr. Gerald Gordon, Fairfax County Economic Develop- house, Gordon said. He also comed a new business member, ment Authority, to the AM Network Breakfast: Jane Gandee, ServiceMaster of Alexan- mentioned that trends show American Disposal Services and dria; Gordon; John Barsa; Jay McConville, Lockheed Martin; Michael Gailliot, Cen- that minority and women- regional manager Brian Taugher. tury 20 New Millenium, and Tony Riolo, Burke & Herbert Bank. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 ❖ 7 Opinion

Eliminating the gas www.MountVernonGazette.com Transportation Money tax makes no sense. @MtVernonGazette An independent, locally owned weekly newspaper delivered irginia, and especially Northern Vir- to transportation. residents, the drivers on the Dulles Toll Road, to homes and businesses. ginia, is woefully short on funds for With considerable agreement that Virginia to almost single-handedly pay for rail to Dulles. Published by Vtransportation. One reason is that needs about $1 billion a year to pay roads and Dulles airport is one of the key economic driv- Local Media Connection LLC its gas tax, a logical way to fund transit, this proposal would raise about one- ers for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Build- 1606 King Street transportation infrastructure, is one of the low- third of that. ing rail to serve the airport is an economic in- Alexandria, Virginia 22314 est in the nation, and has remained flat Part of the Governor’s plan also calls vestment that will have broad benefits in rev- Free digital edition delivered to since the ’80s, since it is not indexed for a $100 annual fee on vehicles that enue for the state. A disproportionately small your email box. Go to for inflation. So the buying power of Editorial use alternative fuels. amount of that revenue will make it back to connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe the gas tax has been dwindling. Raising the sales tax to pay for roads Northern Virginia. So it is welcome that the It seems obvious that one way to fix is particularly unfair to the many resi- Governor’s proposal calls for diverting some NEWS DEPARTMENT: this is to allow it to rise with inflation, or dents of Northern Virginia who have chosen of the “new” transportation money to Dulles To discuss ideas and concerns, change it to a percentage of the price of a gal- to live in Arlington, Alexandria and other ar- rail. Call: 703-778-9410 e-mail: lon of fuel. Tying road funding to gas consump- eas that are walkable and provide easy access The current proposal would make Virginia [email protected] tion is a logical connection, and the increase to public transit. the only state without a gas tax. It seems un- encourages conservation and more fuel-effi- Penalizing drivers of hybrid and electric ve- wise for a state with such dramatic transpor- Steven Mauren Editor, 703-778-9415 cient vehicles. hicles by charging them more than six times tation deficits to abandon the one source of [email protected] Instead, Gov. Bob McDonnell has proposed what other vehicles pay is not in the best in- funding that makes sense. More money is eliminating the gas tax, replacing the funding terests of anyone who breathes the air in Vir- needed; that requires addition, not subtraction. Michael Lee Pope Reporter, 703-615-0960 with an increase in the sales tax plus a plan to ginia, and is a stark slap at innovation. [email protected] shift money from other state spending, like The entire proposal makes about as much — Mary Kimm, @MichaelLeePope education, human services and public safety, sense as forcing a select few Northern Virginia [email protected] Jeanne Theismann 703-778-9436 [email protected] A 10-Year Mission: To End Homelessness @TheismannMedia Jon Roetman By Michael O’Reilly and business community came together to de- Sports Editor, 703-224-3015 [email protected] velop an impressive 10 Year Plan to Prevent @jonroetman Editor’s Note: This month, The Gazette begins featur- and End Homelessness. The Plan recognizes ing a monthly column written by community leaders the right of all people to have a safe, afford- Louise Krafft involved in Fairfax County’s nonprofit organizations. Photographer Every year, thousands of Fairfax County residents vol- able place in which to live. The Plan envisions [email protected] unteer with nonprofits in a variety of ways, whether it’s our entire community working together as driving a senior citizen to a medical appointment or serv- partners to eliminate homelessness. We have ADVERTISING: ing meals to the homeless in one of the county’s some very steep goals and lots of hard work hypothermia shelters. According to Volunteer Fairfax – For advertising information a nonprofit that matches volunteers with service projects ahead to reach our goal of ending homelessness e-mail: - individuals volunteered 205,688 hours of service to the in Fairfax County by the end of 2018. [email protected] community. We launch this series with a column by Photo by Victoria Ross/The Connection We have made huge strides in the develop- Julie Ferrill Michael O’Reilly, chairman of the Governing Board of the ment of the governance structure called The Display Advertising, 703-778-9446 Fairfax-Falls Church Partnership to Prevent and End [email protected] Homelessness. Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness. The Office to Prevent and End Homelessness Helen Walutes ur Fairfax-Falls Church community was established within Fairfax County. We have Display Advertising, 703-224-3028 Ois one of the most affluent in the constituted a Governing Board made up of [email protected] country. Our schools are second to business leaders, elected officials, builders, Andrea Smith none. We are the home for many Fortune 500 clergy, law enforcement and others. We have Classified Advertising, 703-778-9411 businesses. Even with the challenging created a new Consumer Advisory Council to [email protected] economy, our unemployment rate is among the ensure that currently homeless and formerly Debbie Funk lowest in the country. homeless have an active voice in the imple- National Sales Despite these strengths, our community also mentation of our plan. 703-778-9444 [email protected] includes people who are homeless and are stay- We have much more work to do. We have ing at emergency shelters, living in their cars recently moved our collective efforts to the or camping in the woods. Our community in- Plan’s goal of creating 2,650 new housing units. Publisher From left: Michael O’Reilly, Jim Jerry Vernon cludes families with no place to sleep at night We have supported and will continue to sup- [email protected] and children with no place to go after school. port efforts to amend the County’s housing Corcoran and Dean Klein during It saddens me to report that there were over code to permit more individual housing op- Jeans Day 2012. Editor & Publisher Mary Kimm 3,000 homeless individuals in our community tions. We hosted a day-long outreach program tributed to the commitment that many in our 703-778-9433 this past year. It is unacceptable to have home- for our faith based communities which shows [email protected] community have made to end homelessness. less men, women and children in our commu- promise at increasing the housing stock. @MaryKimm Our approach to preventing and ending nity. Through our collective prevention and rapid homelessness is predicated on us doing so in Editor in Chief Homelessness impacts every person in our rehousing strategies, community case manage- Steven Mauren partnership with a broad coalition of community and each has a role in ending it. ment and the provision of other critical ser- Art/Design: nonprofits, faith communities, businesses and Laurence Foong, John Heinly Through the good work of many non-profit and vices, we prevented last year over 1,400 indi- government. Working together allows us to Production Manager: religious organizations, for many years we viduals from becoming homeless by providing Jean Card do amazing things. have directed our collective efforts to manag- community case management and other ser- Geovani Flores I thank you for your interest and commit- ing the homeless issues. However, little was vices. In addition, we have launched a Hous- ment and look forward to our continued work done to find longer term solutions to prevent ing Locator Network to strengthen relation- CIRCULATION: 703-778-9427 together with all of our partners in the coming and end homelessness. That has now changed. ships with landlords and to help move the Circulation Manager: years as we strive to prevent and end Ann Oliver The leadership of Congressman Gerry homeless in our community more rapidly into homelessness in our community. If you would [email protected] Connolly helped to galvanize all of the energy permanent housing. Through the work of our like to become involved in this important work and effort in the entire community. The Fairfax Partnership we have seen an impressive in- please go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless County Board of Supervisors with leadership crease in homeless families and individuals or call 703-324-9492 for more information. A Connection Newspaper from Chairman Bulova and Supervisor placed in permanent housing from 482 in 2010 Michael O’Reilly is chairman of the Governing Board Catherine Hudgins and all of our key stake- to 853 in 2012. Many adults and children have of Fairfax Falls Church Partnership to Prevent and End holders from the non-profit, government, faith been positively impacted. This can only be at- Homelessness. 8 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Opinion Transportation Debate Begins

By Scott A. Surovell THE ALTERNATIVE VEHICLE Delegate (D-44) FEE is also troublesome. Hybrids and electric cars pay less in gas overnor McDonnell’s transportation pro- taxes because they use gas more Gposal dominated the first three days of ses- efficiently, but there are only sion. I welcome this long-overdue debate. 91,000 on the road out of seven The improvement of Route 1 is exactly the kind of million vehicles in Virginia or 1.3 project that has been stalled because of the lack of percent of all cars. Average state money because it cannot be tolled or cannot be American vehicle fuel efficiency improved by a public-private partnership. It will only is 23.8 MPG. If a hybrid driver happen with real money from gets 40 MPG and drives 15,000 miles, that driver Commentary new tax revenue. saves about 255 gallons of gas or $44.66 of gas taxes Virginia’s gas tax, one of the per year (and about $867 per year in gas costs by lowest in the nation, has been at the way). The Governor wants these drivers to pay 17.5 cents since 1985. As roads crumble and Metro that and another $55 on top of that. That’s not fair struggles to move more passengers, Virginians can- and creates reverse incentives. People should not be not expect to have a reliable transportation system punished for conserving energy and polluting less. without infusing more funds. This means we all have Also, many Virginians purchased diesel passenger to face up to increasing the gas tax. The preliminary cars because of the cars’ fuel efficiency. The 2012 results of my constituent survey are that 55 percent Volkswagen Beetle, Golf and Passatt get 40-42 MPG of my constituents agree. on the highway. Not only will these drivers pay more I commend the Governor for putting forth a trans- with sales taxes, they will also pay the same gas taxes portation funding proposal for debate, but I do not they do today simply because they purchased fuel- view his proposal as the right solution. We will be efficient vehicles. debating several approaches. There is no question that gas tax revenues are a declining source of revenue, but they also work. THE GOVERNOR’S PLAN has five components: Thirty percent of gas taxes are paid by non-Virgin- (1) eliminate the $0.175 gas tax except for diesel ians. People passing through Virginia should also pay and replace it with a new 0.8 percent general sales for the cost of our roads, as we do when traveling in tax dedicated to transportation; (2) divert .25 per- other states. cent of the existing sales tax from education, public Again, I welcome the Governor’s proposal and I safety and healthcare and fund transportation; (3) look forward to working with him on better solu- dedicate an new vehicle $15/year registration fee tions to fix this problem once and for all. Let’s avoid and dedicate these funds to intercity rail and tran- gimmicks. sit; (4) impose a $100 annual fee on alternative fuel During the week or so that my constituent survey vehicles; and (5) dedicate sales taxes from internet has been online at www.scottsurovell.org/survey, sales to transportation, if Congress authorizes states about 100 people have responded. I hope to get more. to tax internet sales (a big if). The initial results are interesting. Transportation Three years ago, Virginia Department of has passed the economy as the #1 issue. For U.S. 1, Transportation’s report, VTRANS 2025, concluded 64 percent of 44th District residents support a Yel- that the state’s transportation maintenance and con- low Line Metro extension to Lorton over light rail struction funding shortfall is between $4-5 billion (12 percent) or more buses (9 percent). Here are per year over the next 20 years. Governor some other interesting results: 74 percent support McDonnell’s plan will generate only $3 billion over paying more for renewable energy, 80 percent sup- five years according to initial estimates. In other port no-excuse absentee voting for seniors, 55 per- words, the Governor’s plan funds no more than 12- cent support raising the gas tax and 49 percent sup- 15 percent of the actual shortfall. His math does not port raising the sales tax for transportation. The top work. choice for improving schools is lower class sizes (30 Virginia’s roads have always been funded with user percent) and 74 percent oppose the $25 million tax fees — the more you drive, the more you pay. The credit for private schools passed last year. Governor’s plan abandons that principle and says that If you have any comments or suggestions, please everyone should pay, whether they are using the email me at [email protected] and be sure to roads or not, even when you walk to the store and complete my online survey at www.scottsurovell.org/ buy a loaf of bread. survey. It is an honor to serve as your state delegate. Military Notes

Army National Guard Pvt. Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape Kpeyibor, both of Alexandria, recently Werner Van Der Heyde has gradu- May, N.J. completed U.S. Navy basic training at ated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Recruit Training Command, Great Sill, Lawton, Okla. Van Der Heyde is the Army Pvt. Keith A. Muschek has Lakes, Ill. son of Leroy and Maria Van Der Heyde graduated from Basic Combat Training of Reading Ave., Alexandria. at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. Muschek is Army Reserve Pfc. Cole S. the son of Jill and stepson of Nick Chit Warner has graduated from basic in- Air Force Airman Jean-Pearce of Alexandria. fantry training at Fort Benning, E. Jenkins graduated from basic mili- Columbus, Ga. He is the son of Roger tary training at Lackland Air Force Base, Navy Seaman Apprentice David Warner of Cokeville, Wyo., and Tamara San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of R. Ratcliff, son of Pilar M. and Ralph Stolpe of Alexandria. Warner graduated Thomas Jenkins of Alexandria, and O. Ratcliff of Alexandria, was recently in 2007 from Cokeville High School. Leslie Lefeat of Clarksville, Tenn. promoted to his current rank upon Jenkins graduated in 2010 from West graduation from recruit training at Re- Air Force Airman Jessica Brad- Potomac High School, Alexandria. cruit Training Command, Great Lakes, ley graduated from basic military Ill. Ratcliff is a 2010 graduate of West training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Coast Guard Seaman Mitchell S. Potomac High School of Alexandria. Antonio, Texas. She is the niece of Jen- Piontek, a 2010 graduate of West nifer Bradley-Farmer of Alexandria, and Potomac High School, Alexandria, re- Navy Seaman Victor Kpeyibor, Jacque Bradley-Washington of Round cently graduated from the U.S. Coast son of Rose A. Adukpo and John Y. Rock, Texas. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 ❖ 9 Obituaries

church, or other Christian works such as Sunnyside www.partnersinrealestate.com Helen D. Anderson Retirement Community or The Officer’s Christian Licensed Brokers in DC, VA and MD Helen D. Anderson died Jan. 9, 2013. She was the Fellowship. Visit www.kygers.com. beloved mother of Earl and Thomas Anderson and David W. Spires Marjorie J. Spires Robert B. Burroughs grandmother to Dennis, Brenda, Nancy and Toni. A 703-765-3500 703-765-3500 703-765-3500 visitation was held on Monday, Jan. 14, at Cameron Muriel S. Rector Cell: 703-850-4256 Cell: 703-472-7713 Cell: 703-856-2426 United Methodist Church, 3130 Franconia Road, Al- Muriel S. Rector, 90, formerly of exandria, where funeral services took place. Inter- Alexandria, died on Dec. 19, 2012, 7108 Park ment followed at Mount Comfort Cemetery. in Kilmarnock, Va. Born Oct. 17, -4 Terrace 1922, in Cincinnati, Ohio, she is

OPEN Drive predeceased by her parents, Jessie Hilary Carr Allen Schmick and Walter Paul SUN. 1 $875,000 • Marlan Heights Hilary Carr, 62, of Alexandria, died on Thursday, Schmick, four brothers, Walter, • Villamay Jan. 3, 2013. She was the sister of Malcolm Carr of Allen, Philip, and Paul Schmick Community • Brick Ventura, Calif. and one sister, Angela Schmick Rambler on Prime A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, Jan. Ruttle. Corner Lot • Five 28, at 11 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Bedrooms • Two Muriel graduated from the University of Cincin- Raised Hearth 2701 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria. Memorials nati in 1944 where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Fireplaces • Three may be made to Wounded Warriors or the local SPCA. Gamma sorority, and later received a master’s de- Totally Remodeled Baths – One with Jetted Tub • Enormous Formal Living A guest register may be found at gree in elementary education from Case Western and Dining Rooms • Library and Bright, Breezy Sunroom • Galley Kitchen www.everlyfuneralhomes.com. w/ adjacent Breakfast Bay • Fabulous Custom Laundry on Lower Level Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She moved • Large Storage Room • Two-Car Garage with her husband, George B. Rector, to Lakewood, Dir.: Alex S on GW Pkwy. R on Tulane. L on Park Terrace to 7108 Edward Arthur Daggit Ohio, in 1953, and taught at Lincoln Elementary on right. School there for many years. Each summer Muriel Lt. Col. Edward Arthur Daggit traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Middle 7118 Park Ph.D., USA Ret., age 80, of Terrace -4 East, and Russia, and studied in England and Italy. Harrisonburg, Va., died on Friday In 1984 she retired to Alexandria, where she volun- Drive OPEN Jan. 11, 2013. $839,000 teered at the Carpenter’s Shelter and worked at SUN. 1 He is survived by wife, Darla L. Crown Bookstore in the Bradlee Shopping Center. • Exceptional Lot Daggit (nee Cullen); son, Andrew and Curb Appeal She was a member of Mount Vernon Presbyterian • Three Level Split A. Daggit of Star Tannery, Va.; Church in Alexandria. Her other interests were knit- with Double Car grandsons, Bryant T. Daggit of ting, studying the Civil War, and cooking for friends, Garage • Large Winchester, Va. and Jonathan A. family and neighbors. Sunroom at Rear Taylor of Davenport, Iowa; his sis- Survivors include two sons, Cleland M. Rector of Elevation ter, Elizabeth M. Haynes of Springfield, Va., one • Extensive Wheaton, Ill., and Dr. James B. Rector of Boulder Hardscape and Barbecue at Rear Elevation • Eat-in Kitchen w/ Hand- nephew; three nieces; and nine grandnephews and Colo., a daughter, Joy Rector Gwaltney of White painted Tile Flooring • Four Generous Bedrooms • Three Full Baths grandnieces. Stone, Va., and five grandchildren, Darren Rector, • Formal Rooms feature 8" Parquet Flooring • Large Recreation Room on Edward was born in New Orleans, La., on June Carey Rector, Jessica Rector, Ellen Gwaltney Johnson Lower Level • New HVAC • Replacement Windows Throughout 15, 1932 and subsequently lived in the DC Metro- and William Blair Gwaltney. Dir.: Alex S on GW Pkwy. R on Tulane. L on Park Terrace to 7118 politan area. He attended local schools, mainly in on right. A private graveside service will take place on May Alexandria, through 10th grade. He graduated high 4, 2013, at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, 1202 school at Staunton Military Academy, Staunton, Va., Ohio. -4 Gatewood and college at USMA, West Point, NY, in 1953 with a

OPEN Drive bachelor’s degree and a commission in the Infantry.

SUN. 1 $935,000 Later he received degrees at Rensalaer Polytechnic Willard F. Townsend • Customized, Institute, Troy, N.Y. (Masters in Mathematics, 1959) Lt. Col. Willard F. Townsend (USAF-Ret.), age 79, Unique All-Brick and New York University (Ph.D. in Mathematics, of Pike Road, Ala. died on July 31, Colonial • Superior 1968). Curb Appeal w/ 2012. Extensive Gardens During his 22 years of service in the Army, he had Willard resided in the Mt. at Rear • Large overseas assignments in Sendai and Kokura in Ja- Vernon-area of Alexandria from Open Rooms/ pan, Seoul, Korea, Heidelberg, Germany, and Dalat, 1972 to 1985 and during that time Spacious Grounds/ Vietnam, where he was advisor to the dean of the forged many close friendships that Great for Entertaining • Expansive Marble Entry Foyer/Hardwoods on Both Vietnamese Military Academy. Twice he was assigned Levels • Remodeled Granite Kitchen with Viking Range/Heated Marble he maintained long after he moved Floors • Generous Family Room/Library features Wall of Built-Ins to the Math Department at USMA where he gained to Montgomery, Ala. in 1985. • Enormous Master Suite w/ Dressing Room and Luxury Marble Bath six years of teaching experience. Willard’s long service in the Air featuring Soaking Tub, Seated Separate Shower, Water Closet with Bidet, After retiring in 1975, he filled in for a professor Force brought him to the area with assignments at and His/Hers Vessel Bowl Vanities • Two-Zone HVAC • Three Masonry on a year’s sabbatical at Clinch Valley College, Wise, the Pentagon and Ft. Meade, Md. Willard is prede- Fireplaces • Whole House Security System • Lawn Sprinkler System Va. and subsequently taught 20 years at Grove City Dir.: Alex S on GW Pkwy. R on Tulane. L on Park Terrace. R on ceased by his first wife, Barbara Ann, and is survived Villamay. L on Admiral. R on Gatewood to 1202 on right. College, Grove City, Penn. During a leave of absence by his wife, Diane Underwood Townsend; four chil- in 1992-1993, he and Darla visited over 100 ROTC dren, Richard Townsend of Harrisburg, Penn., James 1111-B “I” St units on behalf of the Officer’s Christian Fellowship. Townsend of Alpharetta, Ga., Jamie Underwood of -4 $699,000 Since January 2008, he has resided in a Health Care Lake Park, Ga., Tara Martin Marquis of Montgomery, • Immaculate OPEN facility in the Sunnyside Retirement Community in Ala., as well as seven grandchildren. A Full Honors Custom-Built Three SUN. 1 Harrisonburg, Va. Military Funeral ceremony will be held at Arlington Level Townhome Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Cemetery at 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25, with Four Bedrooms at a later date. 2013. A reception will follow at Ireland’s Four Courts and Three Full and Memorial gifts may be made to the Research for restaurant in Arlington. One Half Baths. CA, Heart Association, Alzheimers Association, a • Over $100,000 in upgrades and almost School Notes 3,500 square feet. • Email announcements to gazette@ Sydney College. Megan Elizabeth Epperson, ma- High ceilings and huge rooms perfect for entertaining. • Gourmet Granite and connectionnewspapers.com. joring in biological sciences; Shannon Stainless Kitchen. • Hardwood floors throughout the main level. Gregory Scott Casey Jr., a gradu- Kay Frydenlund, majoring in elemen- • Center four sectional grand staircase to upper levels. • Plantation shutters Tae Kim was recently initiated into ate of Gonzaga College High School and tary education; Amanda Michelle Phi Kappa Phi. Kim is studying medicine the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory S. Casey Smith, majoring in philosophy (law, throughout and beautiful custom built-ins in Bedrooms and Living Room. at Pennsylvania State University. Sr., was named to the dean’s list at liberty and justice); Melissa Chris- • Private Roof-Top Terrace. Hampden-Sydney College. tine Beaty, majoring in political Dir.: Alex S on GW Pkwy, R on Belle View Blvd, R on Potomac St, R on George Forrest Allen, a graduate science; and Emily Anne Smoot, I Street to 1111-B on right. of West Potomac High School and the Colin Chadduck has been named to majoring in pre-business, have been son of George and Susan Allen, was the Emory & Henry College’s dean’s list named to the dean’s list at Clemson named to the dean’s list at Hampden- for the fall semester. University for the fall semester. 10 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Opinion CCT ALDERSGATE ACHURCH COMMUNITY THEATER Presents Directed by

Intergenerational Meal-Gathering Michael Page and Corey Latta © Disney © Co-Produced by oticed something Shelagh Roberts, Kathy Havranek, (presented through special arrangement N sprouting at the Michelle Lawrence with Music Theatre International (MTI) Hollin Hall Senior Center? Youth from the Mount January 18, 19, 25, 26 at 7:30pm Vernon 4H Awesome Adventur- January 20, 21, 26, 27 at 2:00pm ers Community Club have joined with seniors from the $10 for children, students, seniors • $12 for adults Hollin Hall Senior Center on an For more information/tickets: 703-660-2611 or visit acctonline.org intergenerational gardening project. Aldersgate Church Community Theater In August, the 4H Club was 1301 Collingwood Rd., Alexandria, VA 22308 awarded a Youth Jumpstart grant from Generations United and The MetLife Foundation Club members Victor designed to promote Fuentes, Geoff Gallante, intergenerational solutions to Freddy Fuentes, Michele societal challenges and build St. John and Margaret stronger communities, with a St. John prepared 2012 focus on hunger and nu- burgers, sweet potato fries and apple pie for trition. Vice President Sophia Gull Building on their previous gar- Seniors at the Hollin assists Ed Raduazo in Hall Senior Center in dening project, the grant has assembling a garden bed. enabled the 4Hers and seniors December. to build additional raised gar- den beds at the Hollin Hall Senior Center. Using with the Microsoft Store at Pentagon City, pro- the vegetables that will be harvested, they will vide community service and work together to prepare and enjoy meals together. identify additional activities they would like to For more information about 4H in Fairfax organize and participate in. County, visit http://offices.ext.vt.edu/fairfax/pro- For more information, email mountvernon4H@ grams/4h/ gmail.com. The Mount Vernon 4H Awesome Adventurers Seniors who would like to join in the Community Club is open to youth ages 9-18. intergenerational gardening project can inquire In addition to the gardening project, youth par- at the Hollin Hall Senior Center or email us at ticipate in technology workshops in collaboration [email protected]

General Assembly Gets Underway

By Linda T. “Toddy” Puller In the area of health care in- State Senator (D-36) surance, SB 947 would prohibit a health insurer from making he Virginia General Assembly convened in modifications to prescription TRichmond last Wednesday. So far one of the drug coverage to increase the major issues is whether or not to lift the price of the drug or removing or moratorium on mining uranium. The bill before us altering the quantity allowed is one that would go forward to set up regulations without 60 days prior notifica- should the ban be lifted. Many people have contacted tion. These kinds of changes can me regarding this issue sharing impact insured patients without Commentary studies and concerns pro and con. giving them time to try to make Another issue gaining a lot of different arrangements or find alternative coverage. attention is Governor Robert Therefore, I believe this legislation is needed. McDonnell’s reappointment of Helen Dragas to the SB 945 would require health plans to allow “cer- University of Virginia Board of Visitors. Her reap- tain covered persons to pay their cost-sharing obli- pointment must be confirmed by the General Assem- gations under their health benefits plan in 12 equal bly. After meeting with Ms. Dragas and considering monthly installments.” This could be very helpful to the damage that has been done to our stellar, flag- people suffering from chronic illnesses such as mul- ship public university, I have decided that I cannot tiple sclerosis that require excessively expensive vote for her confirmation and have informed Ms. medications. The Joint Commission on Health Care Dragas of my decision. that I chair strongly supports this bill. I have introduced several bills to assist veterans Two town hall meetings are planned: in Lee Dis- with unemployment and to aid people with health trict, Saturday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. at the Thompson care coverage. These include: Center, 6090 Kingstowne Village Parkway, SB 829 would amend the Code of Virginia to en- Kingstowne, and in Mount Vernon District, Satur- act a comprehensive program to reduce unemploy- day, Feb. 16, 9:30 a.m., Mount Vernon Government ment among veterans by assisting businesses to at- Center, 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria. tract, hire, and retain veterans. Please continue to let me hear from you on issues SB 831 would provide a tax credit for hiring veter- of concern. Email me at: ans. SB 730 would provide an exemption for non- [email protected]; phone: 1-804-698- profit veteran’s organizations to qualify for sales and 7536; and mailing address: Senate of Virginia, P.O. use tax exemption. Box 396, Richmond, Virginia 23218. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 ❖ 11 12 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 ❖ 13 News

Photos by

Michael K. Bohn/ Michael

The Gazette

A crane lifts a second-story module into place less than an hour after the crew set the last Colleen and Jim Harvey amid the bustle of the installation of their new Plymouth Haven ground floor section. home. Trend grows for A New Home in Five Easy Pieces modular homes.

By Michael K. Bohn details, we were impressed with the qual- All are substantial homes, with all of the choose modular construction, they experi- The Gazette ity of construction.” features of traditionally-built houses, and ence measurable savings in cost and time.” HandCrafted Homes of Henderson, N.C. should not be confused with a “manufac- The NAHB reports that the national av- he Plymouth Haven neighbor fabricated the modules and trucked them tured” home — cousin Eddie’s trailer house. erage time from start to completion for a hood is welcoming another new to the site. Harvey hired a general contrac- Modular home sales increased 33 percent modular home is five months, compared to Tmodular home, the third in the tor to prepare the site, pour the foundation, nationwide during the period 1992-2005, nearly seven months for a site-built home. last five years. Last week, Ply- which he accomplished in December, and according to U.S. Census data, rising from That reduced period translates to labor cost mouth Haven native, Jim Harvey, and his handle the loose ends after the modules are 33,000 units annually to 44,000. However, savings. wife Colleen, watched a crane operator lift assembled. The fabricator installed all of the the popping of the housing bubble in the Further, the national average “permit the modules of their new home into place. modules and made the house waterproof late 2000s hit the industry just as hard as value” of a modular home was $77 per Jim Harvey had mixed feelings as the new in two days. The Harveys expect to move the site-built sector. square foot, as of February 2012, versus house replaced the one he grew up in with in during March. By 2011, national modular sales had $94/SF for site-built. (Permit value is the six brothers. Another family on Alden built a modular fallen to 10,000 homes. figure that reflects the specifications in the “As we started to think about a replace- home two years go, and a third homeowner Homebuyers can get a better deal with building permit. Since many owners already ment house,” Harvey said, “one of my broth- commissioned one on Fort Hunt Road across modular homes, according to Kevin own the lot, permit value excludes land ers steered me toward modular homes. He from the park five years ago. A fourth re- Flaherty, a spokesman for modular house costs.) said that we would be able to move in more cent modular construction is on the corner matters at the National Association of Home Flaherty said that modular sales were up quickly. And once we began digging into the of Cedar Dale Lane and Collingwood Road. Builders (NHAB). “When homeowners 11 percent for the first nine months of 2012.

Just a block from the Harveys’ new home is a large modular construc- One of the Harveys’ neighbors built a modular home two years ago. tion with views of Fort Hunt Park. 14 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Bulletin Board

From Page 6

TUESDAY/FEB. 19 Genealogical Society Meeting. 1 p.m. at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. Hear a presentation on “Our Ancestors Did Not Live Alone,” which talks about exploring the family of neighbors and other acquaintances to learn more about the ancestors. Visit www.mvgenealogy.org or 703-866-2478. ALEXANDRIA RESTAURANT WEEK SPECIAL THURSDAY/FEB. 21 Meeting. Colonial Republican Women will meet from 6:30-9 Dinner for Two p.m. at Virginia Hills Administration Center at Old Virginia $35.00 Hills School, 6520 Diana Lane. Refreshments will be served. E-mail [email protected] or call Debbie at 703-768-1934.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Fairfax County needs a Meals on Wheels coordinator for the Mount Vernon area. Contact Fairfax County’s Volunteer Solutions at 703-324-5406, TTY 703-449-1186, Sweet and [email protected], or visit Volunteer Savory Crêpes, Solutions at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices Steak Frites, Mussels, and click on volunteers. Boutique Wines and AARP Tax-Aide, a national volunteer-run tax counseling and preparation service for low to moderate income and elderly Craft Beers, citizens, needs volunteers to electronically complete and French Movie Night file federal and state income tax forms for the 2013 tax season.The program offers free five-day training using IRS Lunch • Dinner • Weekend Brunch computers and software. Volunteers become IRS Certified 119 South Royal Street, Alexandria VA 22314 Tax Counselors after completing and passing the IRS examination. Training sessions will be held in Annandale, 703.535.8151 • www.fontainecaffe.com Centerville and Alexandria in Jan. 2013. Visit www.aarp.org/taxaide. Join us for Alexandria Restaurant Week ONGOING January 18 through February 10 Restaurant Week Alzheimer’s Association support groups provide a place for D.C. Restaurant Week for people with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, family members, and/or friends to share valuable information, $20 LUNCH PRIX-FIXE caregiving tips and concerns throughout the Alzheimer’s $ journey. Groups are facilitated by trained group leaders and 35 DINNER PRIX-FIXE are ongoing, free and open to the community. There is a meeting on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Lunch and Dinner at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway. Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 703-359-4440 or 800-272-3900 before attending a group for the first time to verify meeting information, obtain directions or other information about the group. A complete list of all groups in the National Capital Area region can be viewed at www.alz.org/nca. Three Course Prix Fixe Postpartum Support Virginia sponsors a free, bi-monthly Dinner $35.13 support group for women suffering depression and/or NEW AMERICAN TAVERN anxiety during pregnancy or in the first year following Wine Pairings $20.00 childbirth. Meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each Adjacent to Hotel Monaco Alexandria month at Inova Alexandria Hospital, Health Education 480 King Street • Alexandria, VA 116 South Alfred Street - Alexandria, VA Center, rooms 1-2, 4320 Seminary Road. Contact co- moderator Susan Doyle at [email protected] or 571- 703.842.2790 • jackson20.com 703-838-8000 • thegrillealexandria.com 403-0673. The Boy Scout Troop 1906 is seeking members. They meet every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church Parsonage, 7836 Fordson Road. Visit www.boyscouts-ncac.org/colonial for more. UCM’s Back Porch Thrift Store is in need of donations of furniture. UCM will pick up furniture, as well as other January 18-27 larger donations, or they can be dropped off at the back of the store Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. To arrange for pick-ups, call 703-768-7106, ext. 320. Located at the Mt. Vernon Crossroads Shopping Center at Alexandria 7838 Richmond Hwy. Training Courses. The American Red Cross in the National 1510-A Belle View Blvd. • 703-660-6085 Capital Region will host training courses in CPR, First Aid, Belle View Shopping Center ~ French culinary excellence & and AED in the Alexandria and Fort Belvoir offices. These classes offer a two-year certification. Classes range from Restaurant Week • $35.00 Dinner for Two hospitality in an Old World setting ~ $70-$110 and are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Starter: ALOO TIKKI Served with hot baked Naan Thursdays, or Saturdays. Advance registration is required. Potato patties stuffed with bread and Basmati rice. To register for a class or find another class in your area, call flavorful spiced cheese and peas. HARIYALI TIKKA Offering a special 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcross.org/takeaclass. Served with tamarind chutney, Boneless pieces of chicken Dance for Parkinson’s Disease. Thursdays, 1:30-2:30 cilantro chutney and yogurt. breasts marinated overnight in $35 prix-fixe three course dinner p.m. At Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Rd. Hariyali sauce (fresh cilantro, Those with Parkinson’s and caregivers are welcome. No For Main Courses: baby spinach, yogurt and See www.labergerie.com for the full menu. dance experience necessary. BOTI KEBAB MASALA flavorful spices) and roasted to Boneless pieces of lamb first order in the charcoal clay oven charbroiled in the charcoal clay tandoor Served with vegetables 218 North Lee St. • 703-683-1007 oven tandoor and then cooked in (potato and green beans), Naan “Providing memorable dining experiences for over 35 years.” Write chef’s special exotic curry sauce. bread, and Basmati rice. The Gazette welcomes views on any public issue. The deadline for all material is noon Friday. Letters must be signed. Include home address and home and business numbers. Letters are routinely edited for libel, grammar, good taste and factual errors. Send to: Letters to the Editor INAUGURAL The Gazette EDITION 1606 King St. Alexandria VA 22314 Call: 703-917-6444. [email protected] www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 ❖ 15 Entertainment Birchmere Hosts Steep Canyon Rangers Band returns to The Birchmere at the start of a busy year of bluegrass.

By Amber Healy Charles Humphrey III. The band started on The Gazette a lark, as the musicians met while in col- lege at Chapel Hill in North Carolina and t’s only the beginning of January, but began playing together “as a pure hobby,” the Steep Canyon Rangers have their just for fun. As the time came for gradua- Iwhole year booked. tion, the band had developed “some mo- The Grammy-nominated quintet from mentum” and decided to make a go of it in North Carolina are about to kick off not only the world of music. a tour of clubs, but also the four-day Moun- “We’re very lucky,” Platt said. “A lot of

Photo Contributed tain Song at Sea cruise in Miami in Febru- bands come together because of their mu- ary before heading into the studio to record sical talent, but we were friends who hap- a new album, followed by another round pened to like playing together.” of tour dates. And on Jan. 25, they’ll make their third THE BAND’S BEEN SUCCESSFUL, too, stop at the Birchmere, a venue lead singer earning their first Grammy nod for their last Woody Platt called a “legendary” place, es- album, “Nobody Knows You.” There has pecially in the world of bluegrass music. been one other Grammy nomination, but Steep Canyon Rangers will be performing at The Birchmere in Alexan- “People have come up to us after shows that was for an album the band recorded dria on Friday, Jan. 25. Clockwise from left: Charles Humphrey III, and said I don’t like bluegrass, but I love with their friend and part-year banjoist, Graham Sharp, Mike Guggino, Woody Platt and Nicky Sanders. your band,” he said. “We’re not a typical Steve Martin. Yes, that Steve Martin, of Sat- bluegrass band. We dance around a lot, we urday Night Live and movie fame. Platt laughed. “We’re thrilled at how it started out more than a decade ago. sing, we have a really good time.” It turns out that Martin’s wife was a friend turned out.” He also encourages people who’ve seen Bluegrass music “has a lot of layers” and of the band before she met him, Platt said. Martin won’t be joining the Rangers at the Rangers perform before to come to the different styles, from those deemed “classi- Martin’s played banjo for more than 50 The Birchmere, but Platt said the partner- show later this month, as they’ll be trying cal” bluegrass to the more contemporary years, and when the band was invited to a ship has helped bring people to gigs. He also out new material from the upcoming record. bluegrass/roots music made popular — and dinner party while the Martins were on va- credits the Internet with “We’re really happy with unexpectedly, Platt said — by groups like cation in western North Carolina, an im- helping the band spread everything right now,” Platt Mumford and Sons and the Avett Brothers promptu jam session turned into a musical their music, as the digital Details said. “We’re booked for the in recent years. relationship. Most recently, Martin joined technology for sharing rest of the year. Festivals Tickets are still available for the Platt, the lead singer and guitarist, is the Steep Canyon Rangers on Late Night music with thousands of Steep Canyon Rangers’ upcoming start booking early, and joined in the band by banjo player Graham with David Letterman, The View and a con- people with a few clicks of show at The Birchmere and can be we’ve got the cruise, which Sharp, mandolin player Mike Guggino, fid- cert on the Mall last summer. a computer wasn’t around, purchased at the club’s website, we host. There’s a lot going dler Nicky Sanders and upright bassist “We couldn’t have planned it any better,” or as legal, when the band www.birchmere.com. on.”

Patrick’s Day Calendar Dine at Presidential Hotspots 1988. The res- taurant E-mail announcements to gazette@ welcome. Free. 703-746-1702. Alexandria celebrates the inauguration with a special features pho- connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and Great Books Discussion. 7 p.m. at edition of Restaurant Week. Kicking off inaugural week- tos of Reagan, artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Charles Beatley Library, 5005 Duke end and lasting for 10 days, Jan. 18-27, Alexandria’s the original Thursday at noon. St. Call for title. Free. 703-746-1702. presidential hotspots and more than 50 eateries are offer- table where he Story Time. 10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. at ing $35 three-course dinners or $35 dinners for two. With dined and a Charles Beatley Library, 5005 Duke fine dining plus acclaimed neighborhood favorites, patrons bust of the ONGOING St. Children ages 3-5 years. Free. can see why President Obama and the First Family have president. Homeschool Studio Class. Registration required. 703-746-1702 frequented Alexandria eateries. Diners can treat their ears Laura Beginning in February at Art at the ext. 5. and their taste buds at piano bar shows by the White House Bush: Jack- Center, 2804 Sherwood Hall Lane. Paws to Read. 5:30 p.m. at Charles pianist who performed for every president from Nixon son 20 – Laura Children ages 6-10 can participate. Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Sign through Clinton, and go back in time and dine at George Bush dined Register at www.artatthecenter.org up to read to a dog. For children in Washington’s favorite tavern, which has hosted all of the here during or 703-201-1250. grades 1 to 6. Registration required. country’s first five presidents. Photo Contributed her husband’s Tavern Toddlers. Mondays, 10:30 703-746-1702 ext. 5. presidency. a.m.-noon. Mondays through the end Mother Goose Time. 10 a.m. at Alexandria’s presidential culinary connections include: This tavern of April. Designed for walkers James Duncan Library, 2501 Barack Obama and the First Family: Several of the was named for through 36 months and their Commonwealth Ave. One-year-olds Obama’s Alexandria eateries are participating in Restau- President An- caregivers. Tavern Toddlers features can sing, enjoy fingerplays and rant Week. drew Jackson a weekly open playtime in Gadsby’s bounces. Free. 703-746-1705. Story Time. 11 a.m. at James Duncan Del Ray Pizzeria – Featuring presidential pies enjoyed and his visage historic ballroom. Gadsby’s Tavern by President Barack Obama. Museum is located at 134 North Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. on the $20 Children ages 3-5 can enjoy stories, The Majestic – Chef Shannon Overmiller presents selec- bill. Royal St. Call 703-746-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org. play time and a craft. Free. 703-746- tions from the First Family’s menu for Michelle’s mother’s Del Ray Pizzeria George 1705. birthday, including a classic Caesar salad, fried oysters, Washington Classic Film Series. 5 p.m. at Ellen fried green tomatoes, and the Majestic’s signature and Early Presidents: Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant – Fa- THURSDAY/JAN. 17 Coolidge Burke Library, 4701 meatloaf. vorite of George Washington and hosted all of the first five Creative Writing Session. 1 p.m. at Seminary Road. Watch a “Farewell to Union Street Public House – Sample trout and gumbo at this U.S. presidents. Restaurant Week menu includes an apple Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Arms.” Free. 703-746-1704. eatery visited by Michelle and Malia Obama. wood-smoked pork chop, seared chicken with nutmeg and Shenandoah Road. Get the creative Pajama Party. 7 p.m. at Ellen White House Pianist for Nixon through Clinton: sage cream, and a honey cake with cinnamon glaze. juices flowing with the help of Coolidge Burke Library, 4701 The Grille at Morrison House – Piano bar features Bob Smith, Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant – Adjacent to George Camilla Clocker and Julie Ellis. Free, Seminary Road. Pajamas optional, the White House pianist who performed for every president Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate. open to the public. 703-765-4573. but children ages 3-6 can enjoy from Nixon through Clinton. Performances Tuesdays, Fridays Restaurant Week also features hot eateries beloved by Blockbuster Thursday. 6:30 p.m. at stories, songs, games and crafts. Free. and Saturdays. Throughout the week, Chef Brian McPherson foodie magazines, like Virtue Feed & Grain, named a Top 50 Charles Beatley Library, 5005 Duke 703-746-1704. presents fresh seasonal selections including a pumpkin soup Best New Restaurant by Bon Appetit, and Cheesetique, hon- St. Call for title. Free. 703-746-1702. Story Time. 4 p.m. at Kate Barrett with duck confit and an olive oil poached Scottish salmon. ored on Food & Wine’s ‘Best Mac N Cheese’ list. English as a Second Language Library, 717 Queen St. Children ages Ronald Reagan: Ireland’s Own (formerly Pat Troy’s View menus, book your table, and discover presidential Class. 10 a.m. at Charles Beatley 3 and up can enjoy stories, songs, Ireland’s Own) – Surprise visit by Ronald Reagan on St. connections at www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com. Library, 5005 Duke St. All levels See Calendar, Page 18 16 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Entertainment

Photo by

Shane Canfield

The “Hot Metal Boys” — Malcolm Lee (Noah), Keith Miller (Ethan), Michael Gale (Malcolm), Christopher Harris (Dave), James Hotsko (Jerry), and Jack Stein (Harold) — prepare for the no-holds barred finale of “The Full Monty.” The Bare Necessities of the droll, D-list piano pro Jeannette, who joins Little Theatre debuts the act and draws blood as well as laughs with her “The Full Monty.” razor sharp assessments of her amateur colleagues. Other notable performances are turned in by Amy Conley as Pam Lukowski, Cara Giambrone as Georgie By Jeanne Theismann Bukatinsky and Annie Ermlick as the hot-blooded The Gazette Vicki Nichols. The commanding score is under the capable baton he year is 1992 and unemployment is high of Christopher A. Tomasino with particular kudos to Tin Buffalo, N.Y., where former millworker the horn-driven charts. Highlights include “Big Black Jerry Lukowski hatches a plan to earn some Man,” delivered with panache by Lee, “You Rule My quick cash by producing a Chippendale’s-style strip World” with Harris and Stein, and the tender “You The Best in Family Dining show in “The Full Monty,” now playing at The Little Walk with Me” with Miller and Gale. As expected, Theatre of Alexandria. the finale of “Let It Go” brings the audience to its The cleverly written and composed musical com- feet. edy by Terrence McNally and David Yazbek is directed (Spoiler alert: The playful choreography by Ivan by Frank D. Shutts II, who has cast wisely and well Davila does include limited male nudity.) for the LTA production of the 2001 Drama Desk Award The final moment before the lights dim is not hard winner for Best Musical. to guess — a theatrical triumph for the stellar actors “This is not about T&A,” Shutts said following the and the entire cast and crew of The Little Theatre of Jan. 12 opening night production. “It’s a love story Alexandria. Without a doubt, you have to see it to about six guys that you want to root for.” believe it. With an energetic and appealing cast, the heart- “The Full Monty” is playing now through Feb. 2 at warming story of six unemployed men who form an The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St. For exotic dance troupe for a one-night only, no-holds tickets or more information, call 703-683-0496 or visit barred strip show is buoyant and bawdy while keep- www.thelittletheatre.com. Food ing the same poignancy that made fit for a king the original 1997 film such a suc- on a family budget cess. “Never in a million years did I An Alexandria community fixture for more than think I would be taking my clothes Photo by 100 years, the Royal Restaurant offers the best off in front of 200 people,” said Christopher Harris, who plays un- in Greek, Italian and American cuisine. Enjoy employed Dave Bukatinsky. “But burgers, steaks, prime rib, chicken, seafood,

Jeanne Theismann this is such a heartwarming story pasta and full salad bar complete with special and the audience is always cheer- ing us on. It’s really been such an children’s menu items. amazing adventure.” In the pivotal role of Jerry is James Hotsko, with Michael Gale,

Malcolm Lee, Keith Miller, Jack /The Gazette Stein and Harris rounding out the “Hot Metal Boys,” as they have come to call themselves. Collec- 734 North Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 tively, they form a formidable team with the young but versatile Cast and production staff members celebrate opening 703-548-1616 • www.theroyalrestaurant.com Colin Cech as Jerry’s son Nathan. night of “The Full Monty” Jan. 12 at The Little Theatre of Award-winning wine menu • Major credit cards accepted Jennifer Strand rocks the role Alexandria. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 ❖ 17 Entertainment

From Page 16 Visit www.hooray4books.com or 703- accepted. 703-879-0475. Beauregard St. $18/general; $15/ Stories to Grow On. Children ages 2 548-4092. Saturday Stories. 11 a.m. at Charles advance. Tickets can be purchased at and up can enjoy stories, songs, movement and more, including a weekly Presidential Beer Dinner. 7-9:30 Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. All focusmusic.org. movement and interactive fun at 11 craft or short film. Free. 703-746- p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, ages can enjoy stories and songs. Annual Jury Information Session. a.m. at Kate Barrett Library, 717 1703. 134 N. Royal St. In partnership with Free. 703-746-1702. 2-3 p.m. in Studio 31 at the Torpedo Queen St. Free. 703-746-1703. Yards Brewery. Each course will Theater Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Factory, 105 N. Union St. Visual Concert. 7:30 p.m. at Ainslie Arts highlight a different president. $85/ Aldersgate Church Community artists who are interested in joining Center at Episcopal High School, FRIDAY/JAN. 18 person. Reservations required. 703- Theater, see Disney’s “Little the Torpedo Factory Artists’ 3900 W. Braddock Road. Hear the Slam Alexandria. The Northern 746-4242. Mermaid, Jr.” Visit acctonline.org or Association can get more National Chamber Players. Free. Visit Virginia Fine Arts Society announces 703-660-2611 for tickets and information. Free. Visit www.episcopalhighschool.org for information. www.torpedofactory.org. more. spoken word poetry events at the JAN. 18 THROUGH JAN. 21 Athenaeum in Old Town. Admission Wee Ones Story Time. 10:30-11 a.m. Family Tea. 3-4:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s George Washington Presidential at Hooray for Books, 1555 King St. Tavern Restaurant, 138 N. Royal St. is free for all, but attendees WEDNESDAY/JAN. 23 interested in competing in the poetry Scavenger Hunt. Children can Children up to age 2 can explore the Children can bring their dolls and slam can pay an entry fee of $10 for explore Mount Vernon Estate, 3200 world with stories and songs. Free. enjoy tea and period-inspired Author Series. 7-8:30 p.m. at Charles a chance to win a $100 cash prize. Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Visit www.hooray4books.com or 703- delicacies with their parents and Mrs. Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Featuring live music, scheduled for clues that will lead to a prize. The 548-4092. Dolley Madison. $35/person. William Burton McCormick will artists, and an open mic, SLAM 44th visitor through the gate will also Author Meeting. Local author Marfe Reservations required. Visit speak about his novel “Lenin’s ALEXANDRIA is hosted by Shelly Bell receive a gift. $17/adult; $8/child 6- Delano will launch her new book www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-746- Harem,” a work of historical fiction and co-sponsored by the NVFAA and 11; children under 5 free. Visit “Master George’s People,” based on 4242. set during the Russian revolution. Shelly B. Arts. The event starts at 7 www.mountvernon.org. research into George Washington and Don’t Be a Drip: Using Water Free. www.alexandria.lib.va.us or p.m. and is located at The the slaves who worked his estate, Wisely. 1:30-3 p.m. at Green Spring 703-746-1702. from 3:30-5 p.m. at Hooray for Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Time for 2s. 11 a.m. at Charles Beatley Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. SATURDAY/JAN. 19 Music and Dance. 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Books, 1555 King St. Free. Visit $10. Learn how to handle excess Library, 5005 Duke St. For children Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Garden Design: Session Two. 9:30- www.hooray4books.com or 703-548- water with rain gardens and more. ages 24-36 months. Free. Shenandoah Road. Enjoy dancing to 11:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4092. Register online at Registration required, 703-746-1702 the music of the Mount Vernon 4603 Green Spring Road. $35. Learn Book Signing and Lecture. 1 p.m. at www.greenspring.org or 703-642- ext. 5. Swing Band. $4/public. 703-765- how to assess and improve growing the Lee-Fendell House, 614 Oronoco 5173. Code: 290 182 1901. Spanish Story Time. 1 p.m. at 4573. conditions, discover great plants and St. Honor the birthday of Light Horse Theater Performance. 2 p.m. at Charles Beatley Library, 5005 Duke Tech Zoo Fridays. Noon at Ellen create a sustainable garden. Register Harry Lee with cake and champagne Aldersgate Church Community St. All levels welcome. Free. 703-746- Coolidge Burke Library, 4701 online at www.greenspring.org or at the Lee-Fendall House, featuring Theater, see Disney’s “Little 1702. Seminary Road. Learn about e- 703-642-5173. Code 290 182 3201. historian/author Mike Cecere and Mermaid, Jr.” Visit acctonline.org or Meeting. 7 p.m. at James Duncan reading devices or bring one already SOUPer Saturday. 9 a.m.-noon at “Wedded to My Sword: The 703-660-2611 for tickets and Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. owned. Free. 703-746-1704. Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Revolutionary War Service of Light information. Learn about the Friends of Duncan Theater Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Select a handcrafted bowl donated by Horse Harry Lee.” $7 per person, and Choir Festival. 7 p.m. at Bethlehem Library. 703-746-1705. Aldersgate Church Community a local potter and get a may be purchased at the door or at Baptist Church, 7836 Fordson Road. Nature Program. 3:30 p.m. at James Theater, see Disney’s “Little complimentary serving of soup. 703-548-1789. Enjoy the 18th annual Ventures in Duncan Library, 2501 Mermaid, Jr.” Visit acctonline.org or Bowls are $20 each, with proceeds Author Signing. 1-3 p.m. at Lavender Community festival. Free-will Commonwealth Ave. A Buddie Ford 703-660-2611 for tickets and benefitting United Community Moon Cupcakery, 116 S. Royal St. offering will be distributed among Nature Center naturalist will talk on information. Ministries. Local author Kara Carter will sign several non-profit groups in the area. various topics, often bringing Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Pine Wood Derby Workshop. 10 copies of her book “Abby’s Quilt,” 703-360-4170. animals. For children in grades K-5. Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. a.m.-2 p.m. at Old Town Ace which is about her grandmother. Free. 703-746-1705. Hardware, 809 S. Washington St. Free. Mother Goose Time. 10 a.m. at Kate See Bottle Rockets perform with THROUGH JAN. 20 Marshall Crenshaw. $27.50/person. Cub Scouts can bring their cars, with Barrett Library, 717 Queen St. the design traced onto the car, and Art Exhibit. See “Joys of the Season” at Children ages 12-24 months can Visit birchmere.com for more. SUNDAY/JAN. 20 Wee Ones Story Time. 10:30-11 a.m. have them be rough cut. Sanders, Site 2 Gallery, Torpedo Factory Art enjoy songs, games and interactive at Hooray for Books, 1555 King St. sandpaper and tools will be available Music. Peter Mayer will perform with Center, 105 N. Union St. See all- fun. Free. 703-746-1703. Children up to age 2 can explore the for additional work to be done on the Copper Ponies at 7 p.m. at Church of media exhibits by five Torpedo Stories to Grow On. Children ages 2 world with stories and songs. Free. cars. $1 voluntary donation per car the Resurrection, 2280 N. Factory artists. Free. Visit and up can enjoy stories, songs, www.torpedofactory.org or 703-838- movement and interactive fun at 11 4565. a.m. at Kate Barrett Library, 717 Queen St. Free. 703-746-1703. MONDAY/JAN. 21 Theater Performance. 2 p.m. at THURSDAY/JAN. 24 Aldersgate Church Community Art Focus Group. 7:30-9 p.m. Classes Visit These Houses of Worship Theater, see Disney’s “Little are $25 each or $200 for the 10 class Mermaid, Jr.” Visit acctonline.org or series. A school or group of teachers 703-660-2611 for tickets and can share the registration for the full Join a Club, Make New Friends, or Expand Your Horizons… information. series. At 2804 Sherwood Hall Lane. Call 703-201-1250. Blockbuster Thursday. 6:30 p.m. at TUESDAY/JAN. 22 Charles Beatley Library, 5005 Duke Christ the Saviour Billy Cobham’s Spectrum Band St. Call for title. Free. 703-746-1702. “40th Anniversary Tour.” $35. Story Time. 10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. at Anglican Church The Birchmere Music Hall is located Charles Beatley Library, 5005 Duke “To Love & Serve the Lord with at 3701 Mount Vernon Ave. Visit St. Children ages 3-5 years. Free. Gladness & Singleness of Heart” www.birchmere.com or call 703-549- Registration required. 703-746-1702 7500. ext. 5. Location – Washington Mill E.S. Time for 2s. 11 a.m. at Charles Beatley Fire Safety Story Time. 10:30 a.m. at 9100 Cherrytree Drive Library, 5005 Duke St. For children Charles Beatley Library, 5005 Duke b b ages 24-36 months. Free. St. Children ages 3-5 can learn about Worship Service – 10 a.m. Registration required, 703-746-1702 fire safety from a representative from Inter-generational Sunday School – after service ext. 5. the Alexandria Fire Department. Baby Rhyme Time. 11:30 a.m. at Free. Registration required. 703-746- www.christthesaviouranglican.org Charles Beatley Library, 5005 Duke 1702 ext. 5. 703-953-2854 St. Children up to 11 months with Mother Goose Time. 10 a.m. at adult. Free. Registration required, James Duncan Library, 2501 703-746-1702 ext. 5. Commonwealth Ave. One-year-olds Game Night. 7 p.m. at Charles Beatley can sing, enjoy fingerplays and Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages bounces. Free. 703-746-1705. Good Shepherd 8-12. Games change monthly. Free. Story Time. 11 a.m. at James Duncan 703-746-1702. Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Catholic Church Songs and Stories. 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. Children ages 3-5 can enjoy stories, b b at James Duncan Library, 2501 play time and a craft. Free. 703-746- Mass Schedule Commonwealth Ave. Children ages 1- 1705. Saturday Evening Weekdays 4 can enjoy songs, fingerplays and Short Story Discussion. 7 p.m. at 5:00 pm; 6:30 pm (en Español) (Mass or Communion stories. Free. 703-746-1705. Ellen Coolidge Burke Library, 4701 Service) 9:00 am (followed by Rosary) Sunday Paws to Read. 5:30 p.m. at James Seminary Road. Discuss stories from Children’s Liturgy of the Word Duncan Library, 2501 “Other Voices, Other Vistas” edited 7:30; 9:00; 10:30 am; 12:00 Noon Sundays (Sept.-July) during 9:00 am Commonwealth Ave. Sign up at the by Barbara Solomon. Free. 703-746- Mass (English) 2:00 pm (en Español) children’s desk or call 703-746-1783 1704. 6:30 pm Mass (from Sept. 9 Sign Language Interpreter to reserve a 15-minute slot to read to Pajama Party. 7 p.m. at Ellen until mid June) Sunday at 9:00 am Mass a dog. For students in grades 1-6. Coolidge Burke Library, 4701 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria VA, 22309 Tuesday Tots. 11 a.m. at Ellen Seminary Road. Pajamas optional, Tel: 703-780-4055 Fax: 703-360-5385 www.gs-cc.org Coolidge Burke Library, 4701 but children ages 3-6 can enjoy b Loving as Christ loves, serving as Christ serves b Seminary Road. Children ages 2-3 stories, songs, games and crafts. Free. can enjoy stories, songs, games and 703-746-1704. making crafts. Free. 703-746-1704. Story Time. 4 p.m. at Kate Barrett Mother Goose Time. 10 a.m. at Kate Library, 717 Queen St. Children ages To Advertise Your Faith Community, call Karen at 703-917-6468 Barrett Library, 717 Queen St. 3 and up can enjoy stories, songs, Children ages 12-24 months can movement and more, including a enjoy songs, games and interactive weekly craft or short film. Free. 703- fun. Free. 703-746-1703. 746-1703. 18 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com 703-917-6464 Zone 3: • Alexandria EmploymentEmployment Zone 3 Ad Deadline: • Mount Vernon Tuesday 4 p.m.

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The Fairfax Station/Clifton/ Manager of History Interpretation, at 703-799-8629 or email Lorton Connection [email protected]. Zone 3: The Alexandria Gazette Packet Education Center/Hands-on-History The Mount Vernon Gazette Zone 4: Centre View North Help make history come to life for Mount Vernon’s youngest visitors in Centre View South the Education Center and Hands-on-History Center. Call Diana Cordray, Zone 5: The Potomac Almanac Education Center Manager, at 703-799-8602 or email Zone 6: The Arlington Connection [email protected]. The Vienna/Oakton Connection Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer The McLean Connection The Great Falls Connection www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 ❖ 19 703-917-6400 Classified Zone 3: • Alexandria Home & Garden Zone 3 Ad Deadline: • Mount Vernon connectionnewspapers.com CONTRACTORS.com Tuesday Noon

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20 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette Sports Editor Jon Roetman Sports 703-224-3015 or [email protected]

MV Girls’ Basketball Remains Undefeated In District Play The Mount Vernon girls’ basketball team sandwiched a one-point loss to a tough Highland Springs team between a pair of lopsided National District victories during a five-day span. After beating Stuart 87-15 on Jan. 11, Mount Vernon suffered its second loss of the season — a 64-63 defeat at the hands of Highland Springs, which improved to 13- 1. Three days later, the Majors bounced back with a 93-16 victory against Falls Church. According to stats from the Washington Post’s website, Mount Vernon had seven players score at least Sports seven points against Stuart. Briefs Kelly Loftus led the way with 16 points. Tiffany Webster finished with 13 points, Chanel Shannon Photos by scored 11, Erin Irving added 10, Samantha Porter tallied nine, Taylor Dunham had eight and Chanise Ray finished with seven.

Louise Krafft Against Highland Springs, Loftus led the Majors with 16 points. Shannon scored 15 points and Irving added 11. Against Falls Church, Loftus scored a

game-high 24 points. Webster finished with /The Gazette 18 points, Irving totaled 13 and Porter scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Shannon scored 11 points and Dunham added 10. Mount Vernon improved to 11-2 overall Javon Trice and the West Potomac boys’ basketball and 7-0 in the National District. The Ma- Freshman Erin Irving and the Mount Vernon girls’ team are in a three-way tie for second place in the jors’ two losses were to teams outside of basketball team finished the first half of their Na- Patriot District. the Northern Region by a combined three tional District schedule with a 7-0 record. points. ing the Majors four consecutive victories Post’s website, Brandon Pressley led West Mount Vernon will travel to face Wash- and six wins in their last seven games. Potomac with 17 points. Kwame Camon fin- ington-Lee at 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. According to stats from the Washington West Potomac ished with 11 points and DeMornay 17. Post’s Web site, Bryce Washington led the Boys’ Basketball Falls Pierson-El added eight. Majors with 15 points. Demarcus Edwards The Wolverines dropped to 8-6 overall Mount Vernon scored nine points, Trevor Breaux added To Lake Braddock and 5-2 in the Patriot District. West eight and Shawny Lovitt finished with Potomac is tied for second with Lake The West Potomac boys’ basketball team seven. Braddock and T.C. Williams. Woodson leads Boys’ Basketball dropped into a three-way tie for second Mount Vernon improved to 8-6 overall the district with a 7-0 record. place in the Patriot District after losing to Wins Fourth Straight and 4-3 in the National District. The Ma- West Potomac will travel to face T.C. Wil- Lake Braddock 46-43 on Jan. 15. jors will host Washington-Lee at 7:45 p.m. liams at 7:45 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18. The Mount Vernon boys’ basketball team According to stats from the Washington defeated Falls Church 62-34 on Jan. 14, giv- on Thursday, Jan. 17.

‘To Reach The Beach’ he West Potomac Dance TTeam took over the floor Photos by at the boy’s varsity basket- ball game against Lee during half-

time last Friday evening, Jan. 11. Laura Marshall The team was joined by dancers from area schools for the perfor- mance as part of the ongoing preparations for the upcoming dance competition “Reach the Beach,” to be held in Ocean City, Md. at the end of February. Paola Vasquez, Addison Laragy, Mary Grace Mc Peek, The varsity dance team held a Kiera McAllister and Alondra Alvarez. three-day dance workshop to teach game. 1. Funds raised will help to de- area youth the dance that they The next dance workshop will fray the trip’s costs for the danc- Michaela Molina, Jordan Mc Cray, Jill Humphreys and performed at halftime of Friday’s Meghan Mallon. be held on Jan. 30, 31 and Feb. ers. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 ❖ 21 Off to the Movies Mason professor has unconventional method of teaching complex concepts.

By Marilyn Campbell The Gazette

n Arlington resident and George Mason A University professor has an unconventional way of helping her students mas- ter complex concepts and evalu- ate their proficiency: She requires them to watch movies. Laurie Meamber, an associate professor of marketing in Mason’s School of Management in Fairfax, teaches a consumer behavior course in which students study the Photo courtesy of George Mason University actions and motivations of buyers. George Mason University professor Laurie Meamber uses Meamber teaches them how to movies to teach students about consumer behavior. analyze why and how consumers make certain decisions. The class studies characters they make decisions throughout the film. Specifically, in popular films to see the concepts they learn students are looking for influences on consumer be- throughout the semester. havior based on attitudes, motivation, income level “A primary goal of a consumer behavior course is and occupation.” Special Thanks to for students to better understand consumer behav- Mason student, and Reston resident, Ben ior in order to become more effective marketing Coffinberger took Meamber’s consumer behavior managers,” said Meamber. “An additional goal … is class during the fall semester. His group chose “The to enhance their knowledge of consumer behavior Devil Wears Prada.” so that they as consumers can consume wisely.” “We presented it by dressing up as the four main Meamber says that through watching and analyz- characters and acting out small scenes from the movie Advertising Sales ing movies, her classes examine the entire range of that provided examples of important marketing con- internal, external and situational influences on con- cepts we learned throughout the semester,” said Work part-time in and near your home office sumer behavior. She divides her class into three Coffinberger. “I was forced to identify and apply the Enjoy commissions and flexible hours groups and each group focuses on one factor that marketing concepts I learned in the consumer be- Great opportunity for outside sales person to work primarily in affects consumer behavior: external influences, in- havior course to the scenes in the movie. Before tak- and near your home in Mount Vernon. Use relationship selling to ternal influences and decision-making. ing this class, I didn’t think to really recognize con- create and expand community print and internet advertising “Students [write] a brief plot summary, providing sumer-marketing behaviors in movies, television and campaigns to local businesses for Connection Newspapers, Northern descriptions of the major characters as consumers everyday life. Now I view things in a totally differ- Virginia’s best-read community newspapers and websites. and analyzing concepts that they had learned in the ent light.” Keep productivity high and commuting low while working course that appear in the film,” she said. “They do Meamber says the increasing popularity of social this in a comprehensive fashion, after having learned media makes the movie approach a successful learn- close to home. After a short training period, travel to our Old all of the ideas taught in consumer behavior. This ing tool. “As time moves forward, this type of as- Town Alexandria headquarters and production facility required allows them to reflect upon, apply and synthesize signment fits in with the interests and learning styles only once or twice a week during off-peak traffic hours. Call the entire range of knowledge they have acquired in of this generation of undergraduate students,” she 703-778-9431 for details. the course.” said. “This type of assignment allows students to Mason spokeswoman Catherine Probst said, “Along analyze and reflect upon movies as a medium that the way, the students construct consumer profiles of portrays many examples of consumers and of con- the characters and examine reasons why and how sumer behavior.”

22 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Importance of Recess Pediatric researchers say unstructured play can help a child’s cognitive, physical, emotional and social development.

Courtesy of Norw By Marilyn Campbell The Gazette

an climbing on monkey bars help a child’s cognitive devel- Copment? Can a game of tag ood School boost preschooler’s social skills? The nation’s top pediatricians say “yes” and some local educators agree. A policy statement released earlier this month by the American Academy of Pedi- Students at Norwood School in atrics said recess, when provided in a safe Potomac, Md., enjoy outdoor environment and under supervision, pro- recess. The American Academy of vides children with cognitive, physical, Pediatrics says that recess — when emotional and social benefits. Additionally, provided in a safe, supervised the AAP recommended that unstructured environment — offers children play be used in conjunction with physical physical, emotional and social education in schools. benefits. “Recess and unstructured play provide children with opportunities to explore, cess and free play activities are a critical problem-solve and learn in ways that en- part of development and social interaction hance their socio-emotional, physical and that students may not get in a classroom. cognitive development,” said Julie K. Kidd, American Academy of Pediatrics research- associate professor and early childhood ers also recommended that recess not be education academic program coordinator at withheld from children as punishment. Sh- George Mason University in Fairfax. “The annon Melideo, chair of the education de- physical and mental break from academic partment and an associate professor at the activities enables children to return to their School of Education and Human Services studies more focused and ready to learn.” at Marymount University in Arlington, agrees: “Too often the children who are SOME LOCAL SCHOOLS agree that re- denied recess as a punishment are the chil- cess is an important part of a student’s day. dren who need recess most.” “In addition to physical education classes, Some local educators say that recess gives our students enjoy unstructured recess ev- children an opportunity to learn how to ery day,” said Dick Ewing, head of school at manage their free time. “Current research the Norwood School in Potomac, Md. “Of in brain development highlights the connec- course, there are the health benefits of the tions between physical activity, attention physical activity, and teachers will tell you and memory,” said Dresden Koons, head of that children are more focused in the class- Lower School at St. Andrew’s Episcopal room after recess, but there are also sev- School in Potomac. “We … [believe] that eral social-emotional benefits. Children what happens outside the classroom ben- learn important life skills during recess. efits what goes on inside it, and vice versa. They learn how to effectively communicate, Most of all, we want our students to take collaborate, cooperate and problem solve appropriate risks in a safe environment and during various playground games. Creativ- to experience repeated successes on the ity also comes into play as children make playground that will translate into their up their own games.” success as learners and as human beings.” Joan Holden, head of school for St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School in Alexandria, THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDI- developed play areas known as “Tinkering ATRICS STATEMENT stresses that recess Spaces” on campus, “dedicated spots where should complement, not replace physical students work together with educational education classes, even for schools with lim- games, building tools and puzzles, where ited outdoor space, and Reston-based Na- there are no assessments or evaluations, just tional Association for Sport and Physical a relaxing, fun atmosphere that brings out Education spokeswoman Paula Keyes Kun teamwork, creativity, invention and prob- agreed. She said, “All children need a mini- lem-solving,” said Holden. “I thought it mum of 60 minutes of physical activity ev- would be great to have age-appropriate ery day. Regular daily recess should be a spaces on each campus where students part of every school day. It provides chil- could tinker in a very informal way, with dren with discretionary time to be active, no instructions. The only ground rule is that helps them develop healthy bodies and en- you can’t destroy what someone else has joy movement.” started. You can either build on it or start She added that NAPSE is calling on schools your own project.” across the country to find creative ways of American Academy of Pediatrics research- increasing their students’ physical activity ers and local educators concluded that re- levels before, during and after school. www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 ❖ 23 24 ❖ Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ January 17-23, 2013 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com